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Table Games Craps Newbie - free lessons?

Discussion in 'Table Games' started by italianstallion, Feb 21, 2013.

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  1. italianstallion

    italianstallion Tourist

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    I am nervous to play craps by myself. I really want to play and would love to learn a lot more.

    Any casinos give free lessons on how to play?

    I just dont want to screw up other people or act like I kind of belong.
     
  2. ams722

    ams722 Side Bet Shunner

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    NYNY and Monte Carlo both do daily free lessons for sure.

    I went to one at Monte Carlo. It was okay. Not much that I couldn't have learned online though.

    I still have yet to play Craps. Still too intimidated.
     
  3. Suekel

    Suekel VIP Whale

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    I recommend also checking out the pinned posts in this section of the forum called "Always wanted to try craps but felt intimidated", or something like that. The poster did a very nice job of laying out the game, starting with the very basics, which are really all you need to get started. Each subsequent post gets into the more complicated bets. Reading those, and all the replies in those threads, really helped me realize I could play even if I didn't understand every single thing about the game.

    That being said, lessons are still a great idea to build confidence. Whatever hotel you are staying at, ask a dealer or pitboss, they should be able to tell you if and when lessons are offered. Sometimes an empty craps table will have a sign advertising lessons too.
     
  4. italianstallion

    italianstallion Tourist

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    Thanks! I have played with some buds, but they were betting so fast that i couldnt keep up especially with a lot of ppl at the table.

    What gets me is how the dealers keep track of everyones chips? Theres so much going on!
     
  5. Suekel

    Suekel VIP Whale

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    This always amazes me too. I imagine dealing craps is sort of the senior dealer position at any casino, due to the complexity.
     
  6. mike_m235

    mike_m235 Tourist

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  7. 44inarow

    44inarow VIP Whale

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    I'd suggest not worrying about what anyone else at the table is doing, at least when you're getting started, and just focus on your own bets. Get comfortable making a pass-line bet and following it through to resolution, before you start trying to figure out what people mean when they're tossing chips to the center for a two-way hard 8 and asking to place the 5, 6, and 9. Start simple, then once you've got the basics down, expand from there.
     
  8. mike_m235

    mike_m235 Tourist

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    Oh, one other piece of advice. Play your first time early in the day and pick an uncrowded table. You can ask questions.
     
  9. boxcars

    boxcars High-Roller

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    The key is to learn and play at YOUR own pace. There are lots of places that give lessons, including the Golden Nugget downtown. I think they have lessons every day twice in the morning. Otherwise, it does not hurt to stand at a table and just ask questions, whether a "dead" table with no action, or one with a few players (avoid a packed table.)

    Almost all dealers are happy to explain the game. If they're not, avoid that table anyway.
     
  10. jhpa

    jhpa VIP Whale

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    As others have said, ignore what everyone else is doing. Place your bets, collect your winnings. See where the dealer puts your bet in each box .

    Craps is not that tough at all. Learn the rhythm of the game. Dice are rolled, bets are paid off, more bets are made, then the dice are rolled again. There are natural breaks in the game. When a shooer sevens out, there is always a break in the game while the felt is cleared of all the bets. That is the best time to buy in to a new game. When the point is made, there will be a bit of a delay - another good time to buy in while all the line bets are paid After a point is set, there is also a bit of a delay because a lot of people will be setting up their place bets.

    See how the dealers pay off winners in a certain order. Wait until he i paying you to tlell him to increase your bets. See how the stick will pay off any center bets before they accept new center bets, first one ide of the table, then the other. Again, there is a rhythm to the game.
     
  11. 44inarow

    44inarow VIP Whale

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    This is generally good advice, but I'd point out that many people consider it bad luck to buy in mid-roll. I'd suggest waiting until there's a 7-out, or until a point is made, to buy in; obviously it's up to you, but I consider craps to be a team sport, and you want to keep the table working together.
     
  12. LV_Bound

    LV_Bound VIP Whale

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    Don't forget you don't have to take just 1 lesson. Take one each day.
    I attended a lesson, played a few games and took a lesson another day.

    Most place will open a table just for the people at the lesson which makes it a great environment for learning.
     
  13. italianstallion

    italianstallion Tourist

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    Been watching some videos and I may have the courage to do it now...although still a bit apprehensive.

    I hope this question doesnt start a war, but what's better Pass Line or Dont Pass Line?

    It seems like if you can get passed the initial roll, the dont pass seems better percentages. I just dont want to be that ****** bag rooting against the thrower. lol
     
  14. mike_m235

    mike_m235 Tourist

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    There won't be a war. The correct answer is 'it depends on what the next roll is.' It's like asking what's better in roulette, red or black?

    Here's my advice on pass vs don't pass. If you're an exuberant person...the kind who's going to cheer a lot when you hit...then you might want to avoid playing don't pass, especially at a crowded table. If you can quietly sit there and collect your money, you'll not get nearly as much trouble.

    Playing pass usually makes you part of the community. It doesn't mean you'll win, but you'll win and lose with the majority of the other people.
     
  15. numeno

    numeno VIP Whale

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    With the number of rolls you are doing, they are nearly identical in how much money you will lose.

    I highly suggest going with the pass line your first few times. I feel the best part of craps is getting a great table and the people around you. It is much easier to be in the group if you are winning along side them. That said, if you end up on a table with a ton of Don't Pass players, go ahead and join them. Basically I would follow the crown the first few times. You can branch out when you feel comfortable with the game.
     
  16. boxcars

    boxcars High-Roller

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    Just remember, it's YOUR money and YOUR bet. You play it as you see fit, even if you go against "conventional wisdom". If people frown at you for betting "against" them (even though that's really not the case...), then too bad for them, not you. However, if you find yourself in the midst of a hot table, it's probably not because they're all don't bettors with a 7 being rolled. Clapping, yelling, often ensue from pass line wins, especially if hit the hard way (dice that roll same numbers of 2-2, 3-3,4-4,5-5.
     
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